Disability Support Services (DSS) office works to coordinate with faculty, staff and administration to meet the needs of students that have a qualified disability. Within the bounds of it's resources, Gwynedd Mercy University will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the challenges and needs of students with a qualified disability. The University intends for all students accepted into an academic program to have equal access and opportunity to effectively reach their academic and personal goals.

Application for Disability Services

At the time of a student’s acceptance to Gwynedd Mercy University, or anytime thereafter, a request can be made for accommodations pertaining to learning, psychological, and/or physical disabilities. This request must be made by the student directly to the Disability Support Services Coordinator (DSSC). Request must be made by the student to the DSSC in person, by email, or by receipt of the Disability Support Services Accommodation Application. Other forms of contact such as phone calls or disclosure to other College staff or faculty are not recognized as requests for accommodations. The Disability Support Services office is closed between June 1 and July 31. Any accommodation requests made within those months are recommended to be done via email to the DSSC. Since the offices are closed, an accommodation request needed within June and/or July may take more time to process. A student who self-identifies as having a disability and requests accommodations is responsible for submitting appropriate documentation and following the procedures listed below. No accommodation can be made by Gwynedd Mercy University without completing this process.

It is important to allow sufficient time for administrative processing of the application. In addition, accommodation requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the accommodations are based on each student's individual and unique needs.

Application Procedures for all Accommodation Request

Student will fully complete the DSS application form, supporting documentation, and provide a course schedule (if available). All documents will be submitted to the Disability Support Services Coordinator:

Review College Disability Policy including Grievance Policy and student responsibilities

Review Letters of Accommodation

Receive information regarding campus resources

Receive information regarding off-campus resources, if needed

Student will meet with Disability Support Services Coordinator every subsequent enrolled semester:

Provide course schedule for enrolled semester

Review accommodation needs

Housing Accommodations Requests

All requests for housing accommodations are due to Disability Support Services Coordinator by May 1 of each year.

This procedure is NOT a housing application but a request for disability-related housing accommodations only. Applicants must also comply with Residende Life housing applications, guidelines, forms, and deadlines to apply for on–campus housing.

A student seeking housing accommodations will note those needs on Disability Support Services Accommodation Application. Complete applications and supporting documentation should be submitted by the identified deadline date of May 1. An application that is incomplete or received after the deadline may result in a housing assignment that does not meet the applicant’s need. Determinations are based on the documentation and information received.

Factors given consideration for special housing requests:

Is the impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?

Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan prescribed by a medical professional for the condition in question?

Is space available to meet the student’s need?

Can space be adapted without creating a safety hazard?

Are there other effective means that would achieve similar benefits as the requested accommodation?

How does meeting the documented need impact housing commitments for other students?

Is the cost of meeting the need prohibitive?

Was the request made by the deadline?

*Please note: Private room accommodations are rare. We make every attempt to find reasonable accommodations for those conditions that are covered under the ADA.

Once a determination is made regarding a housing accommodation, written notification will be sent to the applicant. This notification should be reviewed and signed by the applicant and then returned to the Disability Support Services Coordinator. Students approved for housing accommodations must meet with the Disability Support Services Coordinator annually to renew their request.

The Disability Support Service Office looks forward to working with all students towards a successful academic career and an enjoyable experience at Gwynedd Mercy University.

*Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, national origin, religion, sex, or disability in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship, or loan policies.

Additional Resources

To learn more about learning disabilities and higher education, consult the following resources:

http://www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html - Transitioning to Secondary Education: The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has issued a new pamphlet "Students with Disabilities: Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities."

DSS-booklet(PDF) - Disability Services for Students (DSS) at the University of Montana, Missoula created this handbook, “Toto, I Have a Feeling We're Not in High School Anymore,” to help students, faculty, and counselors understand some of the “legal and philosophical changes that occur” in the transition from high school to college